Guest Post:

Thanks so much to Prism Book Alliance for hosting me on the tour for Running Wild: Havoc Book 1. This is the start of a brand new series, with different heroes for each book and HEAs at the end of each book. Sean Rush and Ryker stole my heart a long time ago, and I’m excited for you guys to meet all of them.

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Your latest is Running Wild from Riptide publishing. What can you tell us about it?

It’s a book I’ve been dying to write for years, ever since Sean and Ryker showed up in my head in 2003. The opening chapters are very close to the way they were originally written—that’s how strong Sean’s voice was in my head. And finally, this is a book that kind of has my career going full circle, as I’m writing an m/m MC series as SE Jakes (Havoc) and an MC m/f series (Vipers) as Stephanie Tyler.

What do you think is the most rewarding thing about writing M/M versus other genres?

You know, for me at this point, I’ve got to say that it’s the readers. My Tyler readers are amazing and loyal, but for m/f RS, it’s a quieter genre. I’ve mentioned before that I feel like my SEJ m/m readers, reader of PNR as well, are very vocal when it comes to stories they love. Maybe it’s because so many of us come from fandoms and write fanfic, and that gets brought into the mix. I love writing m/m (I mean, I love writing romance in general) but it’s so much fun to bring a new book out and watch the readers’ excitement. It’s amazing and I’m so grateful for the support.

How do you keep characters consistent through a story? Do you write out extensive character bibles?

Is there a common flaw or mistake that you see new writers in the genre making?

For me, as a reader, it’s never about flaws or mistakes—I’m a very forgiving reader. If I fall in love with your characters, I’m yours. It’s that certain writers just ‘speak’ to me. It doesn’t mean that the other books I might not love aren’t amazing books –and I think in general this genre and its readers are really respectful of that whole, ‘not for me but I know so many people who loved it, so you should try it,” mentality.

If you could have a conversation with any famous author, who would you want to get writing tips from and what skill of theirs would you like to emulate?

I adore JR Ward—I love her voice and I totally understand when she talks about hearing her characters in her head. I think it would be fascinating to sit down with her. JR, I’m here!!!

What part of writing a book comes the hardest for you?

Writing description—of setting, for the most part. When I’m reading, I skip over that stuff, no matter how well-written, because I make it up in my mind based on how I’m seeing the characters and the book.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever had someone say about one of your books in an email or review?

OMG, too many to write down here. Seriously. I mean, I have awesome readers. But two that stick out in my mind are guys emailing me telling me that I write like a man and hope I don’t get offended! (for the record, I don’t. ) Also, I had a recent one from someone who said that Prophet’s coming to terms with his blindness in Daylight Again helped her acknowledge something similar in her life, and helped her feel better about it. I mean, my God, to have been able to play a small role in helping someone? There’s nothing better than that. Reading romance is what got me through tough times with my kid’s medical problems (and still does) so to be able to pay it back with my writing is incredible.

Rapid Fire Time:

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate!

Ferrari or Harley? Harley

Beer or Wine? Beer.

Green or Purple? Blue. What?

Love Story or Thriller? Love story that’s thrilling.

Favorite Color? Black to wear, blue for everything else.

What are you working on? What is next?

I’m working on Hell or High Water 3.5 (Not Fade Away) that comes out in August, plus book 4, If I Ever, and the first of my Bluewater Bay contributions. Plus, you know, a million other things. 

FYI, I’m also writing a m/f MC series under the Steph Tyler name—the first book of that series, Vipers Run is out now as well. And there’s a very light crossover in that you’ll see names of MCs that are main characters in my Vipers series—namely Vipers MC, along with the Heathens. Havoc’s friendly with Vipers, not so much with Heathens (they seem to be everyone’s enemy at the moment).

Blurb:

Embrace the danger.

Sean Rush is an adrenaline junkie. That’s why he was in the Army, why he steals and races classic muscle cars . . . and why he can’t stay away from bad boy Ryker, a Havoc Motorcycle Club lieutenant. Fortunately, Ryker can’t seem to stay away from Sean—he’s spent the last eight months breaking into Sean’s apartment and stealing into his bed, leaving Sean physically satisfied but increasingly restless.

Sean has always avoided relationships. He likes to come and go without being controlled. And Ryker is possibly the most controlling man he’s ever known. Still, he finds that he wants more from Ryker than their silent nighttime encounters.

Then one of Sean’s thefts goes bad, and Ryker’s protective instincts kick into overdrive. He takes Sean to the Havoc compound, determined to keep him safe. But Sean’s past threatens the safety of Havoc—and everything Ryker holds dear. Worse, Ryker’s hiding secrets of his own. Soon it’s obvious that the adrenaline rush can’t keep them together anymore. But maybe love can.

– See more at: http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/running-wild#sthash.fO1sAgAc.dpuf

About the Author:

SE Jakes writes m/m romance. She believes in happy endings and fighting for what you want in both fiction and real life. She lives in New York with her family and most days, she can be found happily writing (in bed). No really…

Farewell Giveaway
I have a number of paperbacks, most of which are signed, to giveaway. Over the between now (11 Mar 2017) and 31 Mar 2017, every comment on the blog (this post and all other new posts), will be entered to win 1 of these paperbacks. There are also some misc swag items, so there will be a few packs of these to give away as well.

Thank you so much for your support over the last 4 years. Prism will be closing its doors on 1 April 2017. All content will remain available, but no new content will appear after 31 Mar 2017. As such all request forms have been turned off. Again Thank you,

Recently read that book and loved it. I became completely invested in Ryker and Sean and more attachted to them as the story progressed. A highly recommended read. The guest post is almost as fascinating as the book. And I love the give-away.